NATO chief visits RAF Waddington

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (centre) visited RAF Waddington this week along with Defence Secretary John Healey as part of the UK’s ongoing engagement with key defence allies.

The former Dutch prime minister has led NATO since last October and touched down at the air base south of Lincoln at the start of a visit to the UK.

The visit was marked by a ceremonial welcome, including a Guard of Honour from the King’s Colour Squadron and musical accompaniment from the RAF College Band.

RAF Waddington plays a vital role in supporting NATO operations and wider UK Defence outputs through its Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities.

The Secretary General met with ISTAR personnel and saw the new Protector drones (pictured below)